Sliding vehicle window having minimal perimeter seal

ABSTRACT

A vehicle includes a window having an internal opening defined by an angled edge forming a clear space generally shaped as a truncated pyramid. An operable window panel is slidable relative to the internal opening to define open and closed positions. A compressible elastic sealing member is disposed along the angled edge, wherein the sealing member defines a substantially convex profile when the operable window panel in the open position. A guide assembly is positioned adjacent an interior surface of the window and adapted to guide the operable window panel between the open and closed positions. The closed position is defined by an outer surface of the operable window panel being co-planar with an exterior surface of the window. The closed position is further characterized by the sealing member being deformed to occupy at least the seam defined between the window and the operable window panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to vehicle windows, and morespecifically, sliding rear windows for pick-up trucks having a minimalperimeter seal for hiding the seam when the window is in the closedposition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional pick-up truck-type vehicles include a rear window that isslidably operable between open and closed positions. This window istypically offset toward the passenger cabin. A seal assembly between thesliding panel and the rear window fills this gap between the offsetpanel and the window.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includes awindow having an internal opening defined by an angled edge that forms aclear space generally in the shape of a truncated pyramid. An operablewindow panel is selectively slidable relative to the internal opening todefine open and closed positions. A compressible elastic sealing memberis disposed along the angled edge, wherein the compressible sealingmember defines a substantially convex profile when the operable windowpanel in the open position. A guide assembly is positioned adjacent aninterior surface of the window and adapted to guide the operable windowpanel between the open and closed positions. The closed position isdefined by an outer surface of the operable window panel being co-planarwith an exterior surface of the window. The closed position is furthercharacterized by the compressible sealing member being deformed tooccupy at least the seam defined between the window and the operablewindow panel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicularsliding window assembly includes a window having a central openingdefined by a concave edge having a compressible sealing member seatedtherein. An operable panel is selectively slidable with respect to thewindow to define open and closed positions. The closed position ischaracterized by the operable panel being within the central opening andco-planar with the window and the compressible sealing member occupyinga gap defined therebetween.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicularsliding window assembly includes a window having an internal opening. Anoperable panel is selectively slidable with respect to the window todefine at least a closed position characterized by the operable panelbeing co-planar with the window and the window and operable paneldefining a non-perpendicular seam extending therebetween with acompressible elastic seal member occupying the seam.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a pick-up truck incorporating anaspect of the minimal seal extending between the rear window and aninterior operable panel;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the rear window showing theoperable window panel in a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the window of FIG. 2, with thewindow moved to an open position;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rear window of FIG. 2, takenalong IV-IV;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the rear window of FIG. 4,taken at area V;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aspect of a rear windowincorporating the minimal perimeter seal, and illustrating the window ina partially open position;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the window of FIG. 6,taken at area VII;

FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of a rear window incorporating theminimal perimeter seal and showing the operable window panel in an openposition;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the window of FIG. 8 taken alongline IX-IX; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for forming arear window assembly for a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

As shown in FIGS. 1-9, reference numeral 10 generally refers to aminimal perimeter seal used to seal the engagement between an operablewindow panel 12 and a stationary window 14 for a vehicle 16. Accordingto the various embodiments, the vehicle 16 can include a window,typically a stationary window 14, having an internal opening 18 definedby an angled edge 20 that forms a clear space 22 or opening generally inthe shape of a truncated pyramid. The operable window panel 12 isselectively slidable relative to the internal opening 18 to define openand closed positions 24, 26. A compressible elastic sealing member 28 isdisposed along the angled edge 20 to define the minimal perimeter seal10. The compressible sealing member 28 defines a substantially convexsurface 30 when the operable window panel 12 is in the open position 24.A guide assembly 32 is positioned adjacent an interior surface 34 of thestationary window 14 and is adapted to guide the operable window panel12 between the open and closed positions 24, 26. The closed position 26of the operable window panel 12 is defined by an outer surface 36 of theoperable window panel 12 defining a vertical plane 40 that is coplanarwith an exterior surface 38 of the stationary window 14. The closedposition 26 is further characterized by the compressible sealing member28 being deformed to occupy at least the seam 42 defined between thestationary window 14 and operable window panel 12.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, the seam 42 between the stationary window14 and the operable window panel 12 is defined by an overlappingrelationship between the angled edge 20 of the window and an angledperimeter 50 of the operable window panel 12. In this manner, thecross-sectional surface width 52 of the seam 42 is greater than theperpendicular cross-sectional thickness 54 of the stationary window 14and the window panel 12. This configuration can allow for greatersealing strength to prevent leaks in the seam 42 defined between theoperable window panel 12 and the stationary window 14 when the operablewindow panel 12 is in the closed position 26. Additionally, when theoperable window panel 12 is in a closed position 26, the closed position26 is further defined by at least a deflected portion 56 of thecompressible sealing member 28 extending outward and proud of the outerand exterior surfaces 36, 38 of the operable window panel 12 and thestationary window 14, respectively, and the seam 42. In this manner,when the operable window panel 12 is moved to the closed position 26,the angled perimeter 50 of the operable window panel 12 compressesagainst the compressible elastic sealing member 28 to deform thecompressible elastic sealing member 28 to fully occupy the seam 42defined between the operable window panel 12 and the stationary window14. Through this deformation, deflected portions 56 of the compressibleelastic sealing member 28 can extend outward from the seam 42 to definean at least partial projection 58 of the compressible elastic sealingmember 28 away from the exterior surface 38 of the stationary window 14and the outer surface 36 of the operable window panel 12.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, in order to maintain a position of thecompressible elastic sealing member 28, the angled edge 20 of thestationary window 14 includes a generally concave profile 70. It iscontemplated that the compressible elastic sealing member 28 is seatedwithin the concave profile 70 of the angled edge 20 of the stationarywindow 14. This concave profile 70 provides a greater surface area forattaching the compressible elastic sealing member 28 to the stationarywindow 14. Additionally, this concave profile 70 allows for a morecontrolled elastic deformation of the compressible sealing member 28 asthe operable window panel 12 moves in the closed position 26. Further,compressible elastic sealing member 28, when seated in the concaveprofile 70 of the angled edge 20 of the stationary window 14, includes athicker cross-sectional profile within the middle 72 of the seam 42 anda much thinner cross-sectional profile toward the outer edges 74 of theseam 42. Accordingly, the outer edges 74 of the seam 42 become lessvisible when the operable window panel 12 is in the closed position 26.Accordingly, when the operable window panel 12 is moved in the closedposition 26, the angled perimeter 50 of the operable window panel 12 ispositioned relatively close to the concave profile 70 of the stationarywindow 14. The enlarged space 76 defined therebetween, defining themiddle 72 of the seam 42, is occupied by the compressible elasticsealing member 28. Due to the concave profile 70 of the angled edge 20,a substantial portion of the compressible elastic sealing member 28remains in the middle 72 of the seam 42 and minimal deflected portions56 of the compressible elastic sealing member 28 move toward the outeredges 74 of the seam 42 to maintain a substantially hidden andsubstantially invisible appearance of the seam 42 and the sealing member28 when viewed from the exterior of the vehicle 16. This, in turn, givesthe appearance of a single vertical plane 40 of the stationary window 14that has the effect of concealing the seam 42.

In order to further hide the appearance of the compressible elasticsealing member 28, it is contemplated that the compressible elasticsealing member 28 can be an at least partially translucent orsubstantially transparent silicone gasket. It is contemplated that othermaterials can be used for the compressible elastic sealing member 28that have a substantially clear and/or translucent property and have theelastic and compressible properties similar to that of silicone. It isalso contemplated that the compressible sealing member 28 can bedisposed on the operable window panel 12 rather than the stationarywindow 14. In such an embodiment, the concave profile 70 can be definedwithin the angled perimeter 50 to provide a seat 80 for the compressiblesealing member 28.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, the angled perimeter 50 of the operablewindow panel 12 also defines a generally truncated pyramid shape suchthat the angled perimeter 50 is able to seat within the truncatedpyramid shape defined by the angled edge 20 of the internal opening 18for the stationary window 14. This configuration allows for the seam 42to be defined by the generally overlapping relationship between theangled edge 20 of the window and the angled perimeter 50 of the operablewindow panel 12. This configuration also provides for the flush or atleast substantially flush configuration of the outer surface 36 of theoperable window panel 12 and the exterior surface 38 of the stationarywindow 14 when the operable window panel 12 is in the closed position26.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, the stationary window 14, operable windowpanel 12, compressible elastic sealing member 28 and guide assembly 32can define a sliding window assembly 90 that can be disposed within astationary window 14 of the vehicle 16. This sliding window assembly 90can include a stationary window 14 having a centrally positioned,typically internal opening 18 that is defined by the concave profile 70.As discussed above, a compressible sealing member 28 can be seatedwithin the concave profile 70 of the internal opening 18. The operablewindow panel 12 is selectively slidable with respect to the stationarywindow 14 to define open and closed positions 24, 26. The closedposition 26 of the operable window panel 12 is characterized by theoperable window panel 12 being within the internal opening 18 and beingcoplanar with the stationary window 14. In this closed position 26, thecompressible sealing member 28 also occupies a gap or seam 42 definedtherebetween. As discussed above, the closed position 26 of the operablewindow panel 12 defines an engagement between the angled perimeter 50 ofthe operable window panel 12 and the compressible sealing member 28 ofthe internal opening 18. This engagement serves to compress andelastically deform the compressible sealing member 28 such that adeflected portion 56 of the compressible sealing member 28 extendsoutward from the seam 42 defined between the operable window panel 12and the stationary window 14.

As discussed above, the compressible sealing member 28, when theoperable window panel 12 is in the open position 24, defines a convexsurface 30 at the internal opening 18. This convex surface 30 encouragesproper sealing between the operable window panel 12 and the stationarywindow 14. Additionally, the concave profile 70 defined by the internalopening 18 provides a substantial seat 80 for containing the convexsurface 30 of the compressible sealing member 28. This convex surface 30also provides a cushion effect as the operable window panel 12 movesinto the closed position 26. This convex surface 30, in conjunction withthe angled perimeter 50 of the operable window panel 12 causes adeformation of the compressible sealing member 28 generally in thedirection of the exterior of the vehicle 16. This directed deformation100 of the compressible sealing member 28 helps to promote minimalmovement of the compressible sealing member 28 in an inward directionand toward the passenger cabin 112. This ensures that the sealing member28 will be substantially flush with the operable panel and stationarywindow 14 or will be minimally proud of these coplanar surfaces when theoperable window panel 12 is in the closed position 26.

According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that thestationary window 14 and the operable window panel 12 can be made ofion-exchanged glass, typically referred to as “gorilla” glass. In usingthis type of glass, the window assembly becomes stronger and moreresistant to various impacts. In forming the angled edge 20 of thestationary window 14 and the concave profile 70 defined within theangled edge 20, the edges can be cut at an angle by a water jet. Inorder to achieve the concave profile 70 of the angled edge 20, agrinding and polishing operation can also be conducted in order tocreate a less visible edge around the internal opening 18. Thisconfiguration provides a rear window assembly within a vehicle 16 thatsubstantially hides a frame or seal and improves craftsmanship in theflush appearance between the stationary window 14 and the operablewindow panel 12 when the operable window panel 12 is in the closedposition 26. Additionally, the glazing for the stationary window 14 andthe operable window panel 12 are generally thicker, which allows theseam 42 to be angled and provides additional sealing of the surface dueto the additional surface area defined between the angled configurationof the operable window panel 12 in the stationary window 14. Asdiscussed above, the concave profile 70 of the angled edge 20 isachieved through various grinding and polishing operations. Theseprocesses provide a more precise surface and the polishing helps theedges of the stationary window 14 and the operable window panel 12 atthe seam 42 to be invisible while preventing chipping of the thinnedsurface that exists proximate the seam 42.

According to the various embodiments, the incorporation of ion-exchangedglass provides for a stronger window material. The ion exchange processis a chemical strengthening process where large ions are “stuffed” intoa glass surface, creating a state of compression within the material ofthe glass. The ion-exchanged glass is specifically designed to maximizethis behavior. To form the ion-exchanged glass, a typical glass memberis placed in a hot bath of molten salt at a temperature of approximately400° C. Smaller sodium ions leave the glass, and larger potassium ionsfrom the salt bath replace the expelled sodium ions. These largerpotassium ions take up more space within the glass and are pressedtogether while in the salt bath. When the glass cools, the larger ionsproduce a layer of compressive stress on the surface of the glass. Ionexchanged glass composition allows the potassium ion to diffuse far intothe surface, creating high compressive stress deep into the glass. Thislayer of compression creates the surface that is more resistant todamage.

Referring again to FIGS. 4-9, in operation, the operable window panel 12in the closed position 26 is flush with the stationary window 14surrounding the operable window panel 12. As the operable window panel12 moves to the open position 24, a leading edge 110 of the operablewindow panel 12 is translated inward and into the passenger cabin 112 ofthe vehicle 16. This inward movement 114 is assisted through the angledconfiguration of the stationary window 14 and operable window panel 12at the seam 42. This generally rotational movement 116 of the operablewindow panel 12 and sliding lateral movement 118 of the operable windowpanel 12 serves to disengage the angled perimeter 50 of the operablewindow panel 12 from the compressible sealing member 28. Oncedisengaged, the operable window panel 12 can move slidably in a lateralmovement 118 along the guide assembly 32 and move behind a portion ofthe interior surface 34 of the stationary window 14.

Referring again to FIGS. 4-9, when the operable window panel 12 is movedback to the closed position 26, an opposite sliding lateral movement 118toward the central or interior opening is achieved and the operablewindow panel 12 performs a combination lateral movement 118 androtational movement 116 through the guide assembly 32. This combinedsliding, lateral movement 118 and rotational movement 116 translates theoperable window panel 12 into the interior opening such that the outersurface 36 of the operable window panel 12 can be positioned flush withthe exterior surface 38 of the stationary window 14 along the commonvertical plane 40. As the operable window panel 12 moves into the closedposition 26, the engagement with the angled perimeter 50 of the operablewindow panel 12 against the compressible sealing member 28 generates thedirectional deformation of the compressible sealing member 28 toward anexterior outer edge 74 of the seam 42. In this manner, a portion of thecompressible sealing member 28 stands proud of the exterior outer edge74 of the seam 42 to provide additional sealing functionality tosubstantially prevent leaks when the operable window panel 12 is in theclosed position 26. The substantially transparent or substantiallytranslucent configuration of the compressible sealing members 28 allowsfor the seam 42 to be substantially hidden when the operable windowpanel 12 is in the closed position 26.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-9, the sliding window assembly 90 for thevehicle 16 can include the stationary window 14 having the internalopening 18. The operable window panel 12 is selectively slidable withrespect to the stationary window 14 to define at least a closed position26 characterized by the operable window panel 12 being coplanar with thestationary window 14. The closed position 26 is further characterized bythe stationary window 14 and operable panel defining an angled andnon-perpendicular seam 42 extending therebetween with a compressibleelastic seal member occupying the seam 42. As discussed above, theoperable window panel 12 is slidably operable from the closed position26 to an open position 24 that is characterized by the operable windowpanel 12 being distal from the internal opening 18. A compressibleelastic sealing member 28 defines a convex surface 30 of the internalopening 18 is in the open position 24. Due to the convex surface 30 ofthe sealing member 28 and the concave profile 70 of the angled edge 20,the compressible elastic sealing member 28 is seated within the concaveconfiguration of the angled edge 20 of the stationary window 14. Thiscompressible elastic sealing member 28 can be a pre-formed seal that isinstalled at the concave profile 70 of the internal opening 18. Thiscompressible elastic sealing member 28 can also be an elastic bead thatis disposed directly on the concave profile 70 of the angled edge 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-10, having described various aspects of thesliding window assembly 90, a method 400 is disclosed for forming anaspect of the sliding window assembly 90. According to the method 400, apiece of ion exchanged glass, in the form of the stationary window 14 iscut to define an internal opening 18 (step 402). This cut is made at anangle to define the angled edge 20 of the internal opening 18 of thestationary window 14. The angled opening is then ground to define agenerally concave profile 70 within the angled edge 20 (step 404). Thisground concave profile 70 is then polished to strengthen this concaveprofile 70 and also to minimize cracks and chips within the glass (step406). It is contemplated that the concave profile 70 can include athickened edge 120 that is positioned proximate the exterior surface 38of the stationary window 14. This thickened edge 120 provides a morerobust portion of the seam 42 proximate the internal opening 18. Thisthickened portion also serves to minimize the occurrence of chips andcracks that might occur during operation of the vehicle 16. Once theconcave profile 70 is generated, the compressible elastic sealing member28 is applied to the seat 80 formed by the concave profile 70 of thisangled edge 20 (step 408). As discussed above, the compressible elasticsealing member 28, once disposed in the concave profile 70 of the anglededge 20 serves to generate a generally convex surface 30 where athickened portion of the compressible elastic seal is positioned withina middle 72 of the angled edge 20.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-10, according to the method 400, the operablewindow panel 12 can also be cut to include the angled perimeter 50 (step410). This cut, as well as the initial cut of the stationary window 14,can be achieved through a fluid jet cutting mechanism. Once the operablewindow panel 12 is formed, the guide assembly 32 and the operable windowpanel 12 can be attached to the stationary window 14 (step 412).

As discussed above, the sliding window assembly 90 achieves a minimallyvisible seam 42 when viewed from the exterior of the vehicle 16 thatprovides a unique aesthetic that can appear to show the absence of aseam 42 and the operable window panel 12. Only when the operable windowpanel 12 is moved away from the closed position 26 is the operablewindow panel 12 more readily visible to a bystander exterior of avehicle 16. This minimal perimeter seal 10 also decreases the occurrenceof leaks through the use of the compressible elastic sealing member 28that occupies and, in some instances, stands proud of the seam 42 atexterior portions of the sliding window assembly 90.

According to the various embodiments, the sliding window assembly 90 canbe incorporated within various window assemblies for various vehicles16. Such window assemblies can include, but are not limited to, rearwindows 130, side windows 132, sunroofs, moonroofs, combinations thereofand other similar window assemblies.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

1. A vehicle comprising: a window pane having an internal openingdefined by an edge of the window pane having an angled surface thatforms an open space generally in a shape of a truncated pyramid; anoperable window panel selectively slidable relative to the internalopening to define open and closed positions; a compressible elasticsealing member fixedly disposed along the angled surface, wherein thecompressible elastic sealing member defines a substantially convexprofile when the operable window panel is in the open position; and aguide assembly positioned adjacent an interior surface of the windowpane and adapted to guide the operable window panel between the open andclosed positions, the closed position defined by an outer surface of theoperable window panel being co-planar with an exterior surface of thewindow pane, the closed position further characterized by thecompressible elastic sealing member being in direct contact with each ofthe window pane and the operable window panel and also deformed tooccupy at least a seam defined between the window pane and the operablewindow panel.
 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the angled surface ofthe window pane includes a concave profile and wherein the compressibleelastic sealing member is seated within the concave profile of theangled surface.
 3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the seam is definedby an overlapping relationship between the angled surface of the windowpane and an angled perimeter of the operable window panel.
 4. Thevehicle of claim 1, wherein the closed position is further characterizedby at least a portion of the compressible elastic sealing memberextending outward and proud of the seam.
 5. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein at least one of the operable window panel and the window paneare made of ion-exchanged glass.
 6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein thecompressible elastic sealing member is an at least partially translucentsilicone gasket.
 7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein an angled perimeterof the operable window panel defines and seats within the shape of thetruncated pyramid defined by the angled surface of the internal opening.8. A vehicular sliding window assembly comprising: a window pane havinga central opening defined by a concave edge having a compressiblesealing member fixedly seated therein; and an operable glazing panelselectively slidable between open and closed positions, the closedposition characterized by the operable glazing panel being within thecentral opening and co-planar with the window pane and the compressiblesealing member directly engaging the window pane and the operableglazing panel, wherein an angled surface of the concave edge of thewindow pane is oriented at an angle such that the angled surface of thecentral opening defines a truncated pyramid.
 9. The vehicular slidingwindow assembly of claim 8, wherein the compressible sealing member isan elastic member.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The vehicular sliding windowassembly of claim 8, wherein the compressible sealing member, when theoperable glazing panel is in the open position, defines a convexsurface.
 12. The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 8, whereinthe operable glazing panel defines an angled perimeter that seats withinthe angled surface of the central opening.
 13. The vehicular slidingwindow assembly of claim 12, wherein the closed position definesengagement of the angled perimeter of the operable glazing panel and thecompressible sealing member of the central opening that compresses anddeforms the compressible sealing member such that a portion of thecompressible sealing member extends outward from a seam defined betweenthe operable glazing panel and the window pane.
 14. The vehicularsliding window assembly of claim 8, wherein at least one of the operableglazing panel and the window pane are made of ion-exchanged glass. 15.The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 8, wherein thecompressible sealing member is an at least partially translucentsilicone gasket.
 16. A vehicular sliding window assembly comprising: awindow having a pane with a frameless internal opening having an angledsurface that defines a truncated pyramid; and a frameless operableglazing panel selectively slidable relative to the pane to define aclosed position, wherein the operable glazing panel is co-planar withthe pane and the pane and the operable glazing panel meet at the angledsurface to directly engage a fixed compressible elastic sealing member.17. The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 16, wherein theinternal opening is defined by a concave edge of the pane, and whereinthe fixed compressible elastic sealing member is fixedly seated withinthe concave edge.
 18. The vehicular sliding window assembly of claim 16,wherein the compressible elastic sealing member in the closed positionis deformed to occupy an entire angled seam and extend at leastpartially proud of an exterior surface of the pane.
 19. The vehicularsliding window assembly of claim 16, wherein at least one of theoperable glazing panel and the pane are made of ion-exchanged glass, andwherein the fixed compressible elastic sealing member is an at leastpartially translucent silicone gasket.
 20. The vehicular sliding windowassembly of claim 16, wherein the operable glazing panel is slidablyoperable from the closed position to an open position characterized bythe operable glazing panel being distal from the frameless internalopening, and wherein the fixed compressible elastic sealing memberincludes a convex surface of the frameless internal opening when theoperable glazing panel is in the open position.